Forms of address
13 June 2007
This factsheet lists resources on forms of address to use in correspondence and the correct use of titles and qualifications. You may also find the reference factsheet on abbreviations and acronyms useful.
Print resources
Debrett's correct form. Headline, 1999
Up to date guide to forms of address for different types of office (academic, army, diplomatic service, law, local government, medicine, navy, police, civil service, church and United Nations); the royal family; and the peerage. The most useful sections are likely to be those on medicine (pp 192) and academic practice (pp 105). It also has an appendix on orders of precedence.
BMA location: Quick Ref 12 ADD
Titles and forms of address: a guide to correct use. 21st ed. A&C Black, 2002
Straightforward information on how to address letters and formal invitations to a range of people from peers to judges, bishops to professors, both men and women, and their spouses. There is also advice on addressing them in speech and pronouncing the more unusual surnames and titles
BMA location: Quick Ref 12 ADD
Dictionaries of abbreviations are kept at Quick Ref 7. The Medical Directory lists abbreviations of medical qualifications at the start of each volume.
'Whitaker's almanack' (Quick Ref 1) has an index entry under Address, style of - with page references to different groups. A list of baronets and knights is given.
Web resources
Wikipedia
There is a useful, clear guide in Wikepdia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forms_of_Address_in_the_United_Kingdom
Journalists' and authors' guide to heraldry and titles
Online reference for writers:
http://www.baronage.co.uk/1999/contjag1.html
Camelot International
Short guide to the British Peerage:
http://www.camelotintl.com/heritage/peerage/index.html
Factmonster
US forms of address guide:
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0771340.html